If you had a do-over, Would you buy your duramax all over again?

[Coloradodogdoc]

Seriously considering purchasing a mid-level Tahoe or Yukon with duramax over a midsize suv. The height in the cargo area with 2nd and 3rd seats down is a huge plus over a midsize unibody suv. I also need good ground clearance, but also want long-term reliability. Currently own a midsize SUV for work which is too small for my needs, not enough ground clearance at times, but a comfortable ride. Comfortable ride is important to me as I have chronic pain. I’m a fan of larger vehicles in general, own/ have owned half tons up to one tons so body on frame not a worry to me. Don’t need to tow, so the duramax would be adequate in 4wd configuration. So my question is: In terms of reliability and driver comfort, would you buy your duramaxx Yukon/ Tahoe again?

 

[Stbentoak]

The Dmax is the best thing about this vehicle. Without it, I wouldn't own it.....
Over 2 years, not one whit of a problem....

 

[BrokerThis]

The Dmax is the best thing about this vehicle. Without it, I wouldn't own it.....
Over 2 years, not one whit of a problem....

100% agreed. 1 year here.

 

[Brand0n]

Yes, zero regrets. Just drove 1200 miles on a road trip with a loaded vehicle…only stopped once for gas. Also had zero anxiety about being stranded due to a failed lifter..

 

[StephenPT]

100% - as @Stbentoak mentioned, I probably wouldn't own this rig if it wasn't for the Duramax. It's proven itself to be the most reliable powerplant in this platform, it's quiet, plenty of power/torque and the fuel economy will blow your mind. Couple that fuel economy with a 28gal tank in the XL models and the only reason you'll stop on your road trips is for bathroom breaks.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum.

As a former Duramax owner, I can say that the engine and the Allison transmission combination I had, were extremely reliable. The only drawback is the cost of fuel at some places and that some stations do not have diesel fuel capability.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I’d like to tryout a duramax. I’ve only had the 5.3. Except for the 6.2’s that I just got. I think the 6.2’s are great. I’d love to try the duramax for more than a test drive.

 

[DuraYuk]

Id buy it again. Only change id make is convincing the wife the XL isn't much bigger/harder to drive.

May make the trade up for a refreshed 24 XL tho if it looks good and LZ0 proves to be reliable. Would really like super cruise option on SLT

 

[Pro299]

Two years, 22k miles, no issues. Fuel mileage has only improved with time. Dmax is a no-brainer.

 

[OR VietVet]

IMO, get the Duramax and take care of the body and other systems and you have a 20-30 year dependable vehicle, until the gov takes it all from you, that is.

 

[Coloradodogdoc]

Id buy it again. Only change id make is convincing the wife the XL isn't much bigger/harder to drive.

May make the trade up for a refreshed 24 XL tho if it looks good and LZ0 proves to be reliable. Would really like super cruise option on SLT

Yes I am hoping good things for LZO as well. Personally mystified that people feel the regular length is too large. To me it seems to be a pleasant, adequate size. I was getting depressed thinking about a station wagon like highlander or pilot. Bigger is always the correct choice IMO. (I also love that in Tahoe/ Yukon the head rests do not jut forward at an extreme angle as in Honda and Toyota).

 

[StephenPT]

Yes I am hoping good things for LZO as well. Personally mystified that people feel the regular length is too large. To me it seems to be a pleasant, adequate size. I was getting depressed thinking about a station wagon like highlander or pilot. Bigger is always the correct choice IMO. (I also love that in Tahoe/ Yukon the head rests do not jut forward at an extreme angle as in Honda and Toyota).

Only reason I can see someone getting the regular length is if the XL won't fit in their garage. Otherwise, you're already going full-size SUV, get all the space you can - you'll never regret it.

We had a '14 Honda Pilot. While we enjoyed that rig and have fond memories of it, we certainly don't miss the lack of cargo space. Getting ready to go camping this weekend. Last summer in the Pilot we had the roof-top box completely stuffed, cargo at the feet of everyone (except the driver) and couldn't see out the back window. With the Yukon XL all the same stuff is loaded in the rig - no need for the rooftop box and everyone has clear space at their feet.

 

[OR VietVet]

Only reason I can see someone getting the regular length is if the XL won't fit in their garage. Otherwise, you're already going full-size SUV, get all the space you can - you'll never regret it.

We had a '14 Honda Pilot. While we enjoyed that rig and have fond memories of it, we certainly don't miss the lack of cargo space. Getting ready to go camping this weekend. Last summer in the Pilot we had the roof-top box completely stuffed, cargo at the feet of everyone (except the driver) and couldn't see out the back window. With the Yukon XL all the same stuff is loaded in the rig - no need for the rooftop box and everyone has clear space at their feet.

Could you see out the back window? Here in Eugene, I like to see out my back window to watch for the homeless sneaking up for a handout.

 

[Brand0n]

Only reason I can see someone getting the regular length is if the XL won't fit in their garage. Otherwise, you're already going full-size SUV, get all the space you can - you'll never regret it.

We had a '14 Honda Pilot. While we enjoyed that rig and have fond memories of it, we certainly don't miss the lack of cargo space. Getting ready to go camping this weekend. Last summer in the Pilot we had the roof-top box completely stuffed, cargo at the feet of everyone (except the driver) and couldn't see out the back window. With the Yukon XL all the same stuff is loaded in the rig - no need for the rooftop box and everyone has clear space at their feet.

My dilemma would be we could fit in the garage, but couldn’t open the tailgate. That extra space would be nice for the road trips though…

 

[rswaug]

I'm in the process of convincing my wife that we need the Duramax when we upgrade the next time. I'll miss the sound of the 6.2 when the grade braking engages but I certainly won't miss the ever so frequent stops at the gas station. My only real concern is long term required maintenance. Has anybody racked up some substantial mileage on theirs yet?

 

[BrokerThis]

Properly cared for diesels will outlive gassers.... semi trucks are just getting broken in at 500k.

 

[OR VietVet]

I'm in the process of convincing my wife that we need the Duramax when we upgrade the next time. I'll miss the sound of the 6.2 when the grade braking engages but I certainly won't miss the ever so frequent stops at the gas station. My only real concern is long term required maintenance. Has anybody racked up some substantial mileage on theirs yet?

If is like my V8 Duramax from before, the engine is pricier and the oil changes are more expensive but in the long haul, if you keep long enough and care of it as you should, you will at least break even if not come out ahead in value. But like others and @BrokerThis just said, you gotta keep it long enough. If you get a new vehicle every 4-5 years, the cost for one is higher.

 

[martinajm]

I'm in the process of convincing my wife that we need the Duramax when we upgrade the next time. I'll miss the sound of the 6.2 when the grade braking engages but I certainly won't miss the ever so frequent stops at the gas station. My only real concern is long term required maintenance. Has anybody racked up some substantial mileage on theirs yet?

I am by no means high mileage yet, but I am on about a 30k / year pace. 36k miles in about 14 months. Not issues, knock on wood, other than software. I do regular oil changes per the schedule, fuel at 2x the recommended rate, and will likely do transmission fluid early (50k) too.

 

[jmzvet]

Main reason I bought it was for the Duramax. Only have had it for 3 months 3500 miles but absolutely love everything about the powertrain. I really wished I waited for 2022 to buy my Silverado Trail Boss when the Duramax was made available in the TB.

 

[chrisbusnut]

I wish I would have bought a Duramax when I bought my 2022 Tahoe with the 6.2. Now I'm trying to decide between pulling the trigger on a 23 Yukon Denali w/Duramax, or waiting until the 2024s come out with the LZO.